A laser engraving business can be very lucrative as long as you are willing to work hard and pass due process. Like any business, the laser engraving industry doesn't give money. You need to do market research, find out what is needed in your area, and work on creating a brand that connects with your target market.
Fortunately, laser engraved products are great for manufacturing and selling for a number of reasons, starting with the low overhead associated with laser processing. Laser engravers are the biggest investment, and with recent market changes, you can get high-powered Atomstack lasers for a fraction of the cost of the past. You need to spend a little money on equipment, build a website and promote your name there, but it doesn't have to be expensive.
Many people think of trophies and gifts when they think of laser marking or engraving, and while they can make money, if profit margins are a priority, you'd better think bigger. Getting bulk orders from corporate or industrial laser engraving customers is where the big money is made, and we'll talk more about that later.
The Benefits of Starting a Laser Engraving Business
Profit: The beauty of a laser engraver is that you can turn a bland or ordinary object into something custom. Personalization is one of the biggest consumer trends right now, and laser engravers can take advantage of this directly. What's more, you can use a simple material like acrylic but turn it into something special that people are willing to pay dearly for.
Speed: One of the reasons laser engravers are so profitable is that you can quickly create custom products. Laser technology allows you to add designs to surfaces in seconds, much faster than any traditional hand engraver.
Accuracy: Laser technology is special because it is so accurate. The smaller the laser beam, the more detailed and clear your designs will be, and the more you can charge per unit.
Environmentally friendly: There are no chemical elements in your laser engraving machine and no limited resources such as ink are used. As long as you take good care of your machine, it can last for years without much maintenance.
Overhead: A laser engraver is a one-time cost with a small investment, and once it's up and running, you can quickly pay for it. They usually don't require much in the way of replacing parts and can last for years. As a laser engraver, you can break even quickly, which is one of the reasons it has such an attractive prospect.
Convenience: Not only should your Atomstack laser machine come with a detailed manual, but the best manufacturers make sure they have top-notch support and a curated online support community so you can get answers to any questions you have.
What makes laser cutting such a great prospect?
As individuals and small companies now have access to the latest technology, the laser cutting business has a promising future. Laser cutters were previously only available as large industrial tools to etch, engrave or cut a variety of materials. However, in recent years, the demand for small laser cutters that fit in your home has increased.
As a start-up business, the initial cost of setting up a laser cutting business is low compared to many other businesses. The market isn't saturated yet, so there's a lot of demand, and once you carve out a niche for yourself, you should easily gain customers.
As with any industry, success depends on hard work and careful planning - but it's a lot easier when you choose a smart, relevant industry. Laser cutting businesses also compete with the 3D printing industry, but it is easier, more affordable and just as accurate.
No previous experience required
If you're a creative type, you probably make your own products and designs from scratch. That said, you don't need an artistic bone in your body to start a laser cutting business. You can create stylish items entirely by software and prefab designs. For the lowest start-up cost, you can just focus on sculpting existing objects for commercial or personal use.
The benefit of running a laser engraving, cutting and etching business is the ease of adapting to changing trends and evolving markets.
Laser Cutting and Sustainability
If starting your own laser cutting company doesn't sound tempting enough, there's a good chance it's taking advantage of the fastest-growing consumer trend: sustainability. When you communicate your commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment through content marketing, you automatically align with the ethics of many modern consumers.
People who run a business from home have a great starting point explaining how they are protecting the environment. Your carbon footprint is already far lower than anyone doing business in an office.
Capturing data that reflects your low impact on the environment and usage is your marketing strategy. You can even etch reusable metal coffee mugs, custom reusable straws or any other eco-friendly product that is in high demand right now.
As a small business owner, you have the unique ability to communicate your brand's value to buyers. When customers are ethically aligned with a company, they are more likely to make an initial purchase and continue to buy.
Materials for laser cutting and engraving
Acrylic
It’s one of the best materials to use if you run a laser cutting business. Laser cutting leaves a flawless finish with polished edges. Some plastics that you might expect would react the same as acrylic, such as Lexan, are dangerous.
Hardwoods
Cherry, peach, and other hardwoods can be cut very well with a Atomstack laser machine.
Paper
Card stock and paper cut speedily with a nice clean finish. Greeting cards or gift wrap made from recycled paper are great ideas for a laser cutting business.
Leather
Lasers love leather. What typically takes hours to cut by hand can be done in just minutes with a laser. Just be warned; it can get stinky! If you’re thinking about starting up a premium laser cutting business, leather is a great choice. We’ll discuss the best industries to get into in more detail later on.
Cardboard
It does cut, but it’s also a fire hazard, so never leave the laser cutting machine unsupervised while it cuts cardboard.
Many types of wood: Most types of wood work well with laser cutting machines. However, you should avoid resinous or oily wood because it has the potential to combust.